Course Title: Language and Technology

Lecturer: Dr Sameera Alharbi

Lecture No.: 2
Date: Sun 25/01/1442 - 13/09/2020

Technology use in EFL context:

Drivers and advantages

Introduction

The idea of incorporating computer technology in EFL instruction has always been the focal point of

discussions and debates for a very long period of time. This integration of computer technology into the

domain of foreign language education began during 1960s and since then, as the technology witnessed

drastic changes, this use also has undergone tremendous modifications and became the part and parcel of

modern day education system. The result of all these has been evident on all those related to EFL

instruction including teachers. The advent of computer technology in EFL instruction has led to

significant changes in teachers’ approaches, methodologies and strategies to teaching foreign language

like English. With many practical benefits both for EFL teachers and learners, today, the use of computer

technology in EFL teaching and learning has achieved great popularity.

Definition of Technology and Technology Integration

 Technology is the practical use of knowledge particularly in a specific area and is a way of doing

a task especially using technical processes, methods, or knowledge.

 Technology integration is defined in terms of how teachers use technology to perform familiar

activities more effectively and how this usage can re-shape these activities. It is defined as the use

of technology to improve the educational environment. It supports the classroom teaching through

creating opportunities for learners to complete assignments on the computer rather than the

normal pencil and paper way.

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Use of Technology in English Language Classroom

 Technology is an effective tool for learners. Learners must use technology as a significant part of

their learning process. Teachers should model the use of technology to support the curriculum so

that learners can increase the true use of technology in learning their language skills. Learners’

cooperation can be increased through technology. Cooperation is one of the important tools for

learning. Learners cooperatively work together to create tasks and learn from each other through

reading their peers’ work.

 The use of computer technology lead to the improvement of teachers’ teaching and learners’

learning in the classes. The use of computer technology helps teachers meet their learners’

educational needs. The application of computer technology enables teachers and learners to make

local and global societies that connect them with the people and expand opportunities for their

learning. They continued that the positive effect of computer technology does not come

automatically; it depends on how teachers use it in their language classrooms.

 Basic changes have come in classes beside the teaching methods because chalk and talk teaching

method is not sufficient to effectively teach English. With a well-planned classroom setting,

learners learn how to learn efficiently. Technology-enhanced teaching environment is more

effective than lecture-based class. Teachers should find methods of applying technology as a

useful learning instrument for their learners although they have not learnt technology and are not

able to use it like a computer expert.

 The application of technology has considerably changed English teaching methods. It provides so

many alternatives as making teaching interesting and more productive in terms of advancement.

In traditional classrooms, teachers stand in front of learners and give lecture, explanation, and

instruction through using blackboard or whiteboard. These methods must be changed concerning

the development of technology. The usage of multimedia texts in classroom assists learners in

become familiar with vocabulary and language structures. The application of multimedia also

makes use of print texts, film, and internet to enhance learners’ linguistic knowledge. The use of

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 print, film, and internet gives learners the chance to collect information and offers them different

materials for the analysis and interpretation of both language and contexts.

 Using technology can create a learning atmosphere centred around the learner rather than the

teacher that in turn creates positive changes. They emphasized that by using computer

technology, language class becomes an active place full of meaningful tasks where the learners

are responsible for their learning. Using computer technology indicates a true learning experience

that enhances learners’ responsibilities. Technology encourages learners to learn individually and

to acquire responsible behaviours. The independent use of technologies gives learners self-

direction.

 The use of internet increases learners’ motivation. The use of film in teaching helps learners to

realize the topic with enthusiasm and develop their knowledge. Learners can learn meaningfully

when technology is used in the process of learning through using computer and internet. When

learners learn with technology, it assists them in developing their higher order thinking skills. It

can be concluded that the true combination of multimedia and teaching methodology is very

important to attract learners’ attention towards English language learning.

Advantages of the use of computer technology in EFL instruction

1. The use of computer technology can make EFL learning easy and interesting.

2. The use of computer technology offers many opportunities for language learners to learn the

language by their own using internet.

3. The use of computer technology, with internet, provides language learners many opportunities of

practicing and using English.

4. The use of computer technology also helps the learners to assess and test themselves and get

feedback.

5. The use of computer technology offers students the option of self-directed learning and to connect

learning to valuable work skills and personal use.

6. The use of computer technology makes language learning learner-centered.

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 7. The use of computer technology provides opportunities for EFL learners to work both on their

own and as part of a group to find their own learning needs and to use the English language in an

authentic situation.

8. The use of computer technology in EFL teaching can motivate students because the learning

environment is more enjoyable.

9. The use of computer technology in EFL classroom can help students to understand the complex

concepts more easily.

10. The use of computer technology in EFL classroom can help students to learn at their own pace.

11. The use of computer technology in EFL instruction can provide a multisensory learning

environment.

12. The use of computer technology in EFL instruction can help students to learn independently

through self-discovery.

13. The use of computer technology can increase students’ participation in activities in the classroom.

14. The use of computer technology can increase interaction in the classroom and provide more

active role in learning.

15. The use of computer technology provides much needed exposure of target language in various

forms for the EFL learners.

16. The use of computer technology helps EFL teachers to promote a constructive class environment.

Each technological tool has its specific benefits and application with one of the four language skills.

a) Listening skills (Computers, broadcasting, CD-Players and Tape-Recorders, etc.)

b) Reading skills (Computer Reading-Based Programs, Multimedia software, Browsing the Internet,

Electronic dictionaries, etc.)

c) Writing skills (Computers, emails, Internet text-chatting, etc.)

d) Speaking skills (Internet voice chatting, Speed Synthesis Programs, etc.)

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Technological tools are classified into the following categories:

a) Input technologies, which use technology tools to show students new learning materials,

such as interactive whiteboards, projectors and virtual reality headset.

b) Interactive technologies, which include devices and software that empower students to

produce language and interact with material, such as online quizzes, videoconferencing.

c) Portable technologies, such as phones, tablets, voting devices, head-mounted displays

and others.

Although this classification is quite recent, technology changes in a fraction of a second. In a few years

new technological devices can appear that can change and increase these categories. The augmented

reality and virtual reality are tools that can become widespread in the next five years

Recommendations for the Successful Integration of Technology

The following are some recommendations for learners to improve their language skills through using

technology:

1. Teachers should implement a technology plan that considers integration strategies along with

purchasing decisions.

2. Professional development should be specifically considered in order to assure learners’ learning

and to change the attitudes of teachers unfamiliar with the advantages that technology provides.

3. The technology plan must be closely aligned with the curriculum standards. Teachers should

know what educational approach is the most effective one when integrating technologies in the

classroom.

4. The computer technology is an integral part of the learning activity through which skills are

transferred to learners.

5. Language teachers should urge their learners to use technology in developing their language

skills.

6. Universities should regard technology as a significant part of teaching and learning programs.
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7. Technology experts should provide extra assistance for teachers who use it in teaching their

English courses.

8. Teachers should be a pattern for their learners in using computer technology.

9. Teachers should create technology-integrated lesson materials. These materials should

concentrate on teaching and learning, not just on technology issues.

10. Teachers should find the ways that technology can help them towards learner-centered instruction

as opposed to teacher-centered instruction.

11. Teachers should be aware of their roles as guides and facilitators of their learners’ learning.

12. In order to facilitate the integration of technology, enough support and technical assistance should

be provided for teachers.

13. Training should be provided for teachers to learn how to use and teach it effectively.

14. Teachers should seek the guidance from their colleagues who can help them teach better through

using technology.

End of Lecture

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